Introduction to Anatomy – Gross Human Structural Biology

Vocabulary flashcards covering structural organization, organ systems, body regions, anatomical directions, planes, and movement terminology from the lecture notes.

Atom

Smallest unit of matter in the structural hierarchy of the human body.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons that compose an atom.

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, and nails; primarily provides protection.

Skeletal System

Bones and cartilages; forms the supportive framework of the body.

Muscular System

Voluntary skeletal muscles responsible for body movement.

Nervous System

Main controlling center that regulates voluntary and involuntary body functions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All cranial and spinal nerves outside the CNS.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels; circulates blood for nutrient and gas transport.

Lymphatic System

Network that returns lymph to blood and aids immunity.

Lymph

Fluid circulating in the lymphatic system.

Primary Lymphatic Organs

Red bone marrow and thymus where lymphocytes mature.

Secondary Lymphatic Organs

Lymph nodes and tonsils where immune responses occur.

Respiratory System

Organs from nose to lungs; mediates gas exchange (O₂ and CO₂).

Digestive System

Organs for food ingestion, digestion, absorption, and waste excretion.

Urinary System

Kidneys and associated structures; removes protein-metabolism wastes and excess water via urine.

Reproductive System

Male and female organs that enable species perpetuation.

Endocrine System

Ductless glands producing hormones that regulate target organs.

Head (Body Region)

Superior region containing skull and facial structures.

Neck (Body Region)

Connects head to trunk.

Trunk

Central body portion subdivided into thorax, abdomen, and pelvic cavity.

Upper Extremities

Arms, forearms, wrists, and hands.

Lower Extremities

Thighs, legs, ankles, and feet.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, eyes forward, arms at sides with palms forward, feet together & toes forward.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head end of the body.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head; toward the feet.

Median (Midsagittal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into equal right and left halves.

Sagittal / Parasagittal Plane

Vertical plane parallel to midsagittal, producing unequal right and left parts.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into anterior and posterior sections.

Horizontal (Transverse) Plane

Plane dividing body into superior and inferior parts.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Nearer the trunk or point of origin.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of origin.

Visceral

Pertaining to internal organs (viscera).

Parietal

Pertaining to the walls of a cavity or organ.

Central

Located at or toward the center of a structure.

Peripheral

Located away from the center of a structure.

Superficial (External)

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep (Internal)

Farther from the surface; nearer the interior.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between two parts (e.g., bending elbow).

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between two parts (e.g., straightening elbow).

Abduction

Movement away from the midline (in coronal plane for most limbs).

Adduction

Movement toward the midline.

Medial Rotation (Internal)

Turning anterior surface of limb toward midline.

Lateral Rotation (External)

Turning anterior surface of limb away from midline.

Circumduction

Circular motion combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Supination

Forearm rotation turning palm anteriorly (upward).

Pronation

Forearm rotation turning palm posteriorly (downward).

Dorsiflexion

Extension at ankle so sole faces forward/upward.

Plantarflexion

Flexion at ankle so sole faces backward/downward.

Inversion

Sole of foot turns medially.

Eversion

Sole of foot turns laterally.

Thorax

Chest portion of trunk containing ribs, sternum, and thoracic organs.

Abdomen

Region between thorax and pelvis containing digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Inferior part of trunk housing urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Heart

Muscular pump of cardiovascular system that propels blood.

Blood Vessels

Arteries, veins, and capillaries transporting blood through the body.

Hormone

Chemical messenger released by endocrine glands to regulate body functions.

Bone Marrow

Primary lymphatic tissue within bones producing blood cells.

Thymus

Primary lymphatic gland where T-lymphocytes mature.

Lymph Node

Secondary lymphatic organ that filters lymph and mounts immune responses.

Tonsils

Secondary lymphatic tissues guarding entrance to respiratory and digestive tracts.